Howe Sound students make their point during day of protest

Dozens of Howe Sound students took part in a province-wide student walk out Jan. 23 to protest the on-going job action by teachers.

About 20 students walked out of Whistler Secondary on Wednesday morning but many returned to class later, some brought back by their parents.

"If you were to walk into the school as a stranger," said principal Ken Davies, "you wouldnt know anything was going on."

Earlier in the week Davies had addressed every class about the proposed walk-out.

"We are not dispelling that they have a concern, but the timing in the quarter with regard to things coming to a close and final exams around the corner might have placed them in a precarious position with regard to their studies," said Davies.

"They would be missing that valuable class time... information they would be receiving in class that they would be using on their final exams."

Most of those who took part in the walk-out were in Grades 8, 9, and 10.

It will be up to the students subject teachers to decide what if any disciplinary action the students will face.

About a dozen Grade 6 students left Myrtle Philip at recess as part of the walk out.

Ten were returned to school by their parents, said principal Bob Daly.

"Our main concern was for their safety," he said adding that there will be no disciplinary action taken against the students except to remind them of the schools concern for their well-being.

In Squamish 20 to 30 Grade 9 and 10 students from Howe Sound Secondary and Squamish Elementary marched to the district school board offices Wednesday morning during the walk-out.

They presented a petition with dozens of signatures from fellow classmates supporting teachers.

Director of Instruction for the school board Alex Marshall said these students and a delegation which came later from Don Ross Secondary were invited in to the boards offices and given an opportunity to voice their concerns.

"They were sincere and articulate," said Marshall, adding that the petitions from the secondary schools will be passed on to the board chairwoman Amy Shoup.

Squamish Elementary Grade 6 student Kale Green marched because he is concerned about losing after school activities and field trips. He is also worried about larger class sizes and how special needs students are going to cope with fewer teachers.

"All we were doing is straight school work and nothing fun," said 11-year-old Green.

"We couldnt even plan any trips. I think we should get out of school and see stuff with our own eyes instead of just learning about it all the time.